Kenyan Students and Professionals to Benefit from Relaxed UK Visa Rules

The UK has announced relaxed visa rules for Kenyan students and professionals planning to study and work in Britain. 

British High Commissioner to Kenya Jane Marriott on Thursday invited Kenyans interested in studying in the UK to apply for the new “Graduate Visa” from July 1st.

This has been realized under the post-Brexit immigration rules that enable students and jobseekers to have equal opportunities as those from the European Union (EU).

“Since leaving the European Union, the UK has set a number of new visa routes for Kenyans and other ambitious young people across the world. So from July 1st, 2021, applications open for our new graduation route,” Marriott said.

Under the new rules, Kenyan students will be allowed to stay longer after graduating from UK universities to find jobs.

“The graduate route will allow international students who have completed undergraduate and Master’s degrees to stay 2-3 years after completing their studies, this is because we want to give Kenyans a chance to study and work in the UK,” Marriott added.

The UK’s exit from the EU in January last year triggered new rules on work, residency, and trade.

The UK has introduced a new points-based immigration system that provides greater flexibility to ensure the UK business has access to a wide pool of skilled workers.

Kenyan professionals in fields such as IT, accountancy, plumbing, and electrical works will benefit from the relaxed visa rules.